Johnson has memorable homecoming

UM has won three consecutive ACC games

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Hurricanes center Reggie Johnson says the game against Wake Forest in the ACC tournament last season "did a lot for me."

But as much confidence as he gained from the then-career high 22-point performance against his hometown team, it wasn't quite as special as Wednesday night's game at Wake.

It went as well as he could have ever imagined, Johnson said afterward.

The Winston-Salem native made eight of 10 shots from the field and nine of 12 free throws for a career-high 25 points as Miami won at Wake Forest for the first time ever, 74-73.

Johnson, who didn't practice leading up to the game because of a stress reaction in his right foot, sank the winning free throws with four seconds left.

"He was outstanding," coach Frank Haith said. "Reggie's going to be one of the better big players in this league. … He's just got to continue to grow as a player. Sometimes we fail to realize he's still developing."

Wednesday's game marked Miami's eighth straight ACC game decided by four points or fewer — an ACC record.

"We've been in so many of these ballgames, so it's just amazing to me," Haith said.

Of great relief to the 'Canes was another streak — 13 consecutive ACC road losses — that ended.

"It's not really [about] the game [coming home], but it's really actually getting a road win," said Johnson, who also had seven rebounds. "That was what was most important to me."

The Hurricanes (15-9, 4-6 in the ACC) won their third consecutive ACC game for the first time since 2007-08. And they did so by scoring on eight of their last 10 possessions, and making all 16 free throw attempts in the second half.